While Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 sometime next month, a new patent has just surfaced that reveals the possible design for a future foldable smartphone from the brand.

Samsung

According to a LetsGoDigital report, the South Korean tech giant had filed a new patent with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) earlier this year, which has recently been granted. The patent arrives with certain design sketches that depict a clamshell folding handset that houses a rotating camera on the hinge, which means it could be a future Galaxy Z Flip model. Notably, the patent focuses on the unique camera module of the smartphone. The module is capable of rotating upwards and backwards, which allows it to take images from different angles.

This would also mean that the camera module would be capable of taking both selfies and act as the primary rear shooter as well. The patent also reveals that this foldable smartphone also features a smaller external display, which would also help in taking selfies apart from just display notifications and other alerts when the device is folded. While the hinge rotating camera design is quite an interesting implementation of a camera module, housing a sensor on the hinge may also cause various issues as well.

Samsung
Galaxy Z Flip 3 3D renders by LetsGoDigital (Giuseppe Spinelli)

The camera module appears to be too large and protrudes from the hinge. So, the device might not be able to lay flat on its back when unfolded and could be uncomfortable to hold as well. Another drawback could be with the design itself since Samsung aims at making the hinge and fold seamless. Thus, adding a camera system might work against the seamless design aesthetic the company has been working towards. Although, this is still just a patent and we have no way of knowing if the brand is actually working on such a device or just covering all bases.

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